September 21

Dem seeks probe into abuse of airplanes

Inspector general asked to follow up on state audit

By  Jim Siegel

The Columbus Dispatch Friday September 21, 2012 7:04 AM

After a recent audit on the use of state planes, a House Democrat wants Inspector General Randy Meyer to look into possible abuse of state resources.

“As schools and communities around this state struggle, we must take greater caution to ensure we are not improperly using state funds in a manner that may even be perceived as wasteful, abusive or fraudulent,” Rep. Matt Lundy, D-Elyria, wrote to the inspector general.

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/09/21/dem-seeks-probe-into-abuse-of-airplanes.html

Consumer Advocates Pan Telecom Bill; Batchelder Predicts Lame Duck Action

Gongwer 9/19/12

Low-income consumer and senior advocates called on the House Wednesday to resist the temptation to pass another telecommunications deregulatory measure, but Speaker Bill Batchelder previously indicated the bill may be ripe for action in lame duck session.

Citizens to Protect Ohio Consumer Freedom, which includes nearly a dozen consumer and community groups, along with the Communications Workers of America, said the proposal (SB 271 ) to allow incumbent telephone companies withdraw landline service in competitive areas could leave vulnerable Ohioans without a viable option.

Proponents say it will create jobs by allowing telephone companies to divert resources from complying with outdated regulations to new telecommunications infrastructure in the state.

Asked whether the telecom measure would pass during lame duck session, Speaker Batchelder (R-Medina) told reporters last week that it probably would.

http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_ID=811820201